“While if left to the devices of House Republicans, the budget passed by the House of Representatives would certainly have some different priorities, the fiscal plan advanced by the Legislature, and free from tax increases, represents an increased level of commitment to Massachusetts taxpayers and communities.
Both the Fiscal Year 2015 budget that passed the House and the debate surrounding it affirms the Republican Caucus’ unwavering dedication to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns. Through thoughtful, targeted, and aggressive amendments, the spending plan reflects the necessity of providing municipalities with the appropriate amount of funding and legislative support.
Paramount in this year’s budget debate was the taxpayer. By embracing a Republican-led amendment to offer tax amnesty to individuals and businesses that are delinquent in their payments to the Department of Revenue, not only will taxpayers have an opportunity to avoid burdensome penalties, but Massachusetts is now in a position to collect overdue tax liabilities which might otherwise have been forgone.
Also given due attention in this year’s fiscal proposal was the ongoing and widespread drug epidemic facing the state. Initiatives offered by Republican legislators, and adopted by the House, aimed at substance abuse prevention and treatment, as well as funding for opioid overdose prevention and education demonstrate the Legislature’s eagerness to combat in smart and effective ways drug abuse and addiction within the Commonwealth.
I look forward to the Senate’s consideration of the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and remain optimistic in their ability to build upon the recommendations of the House of Representatives.”
